Quick pickled onions

These colourful, spiced sweet and sour onions add piquancy to a ploughman’s, or a sharp finish to Mexican food – an ideal edible gift to make ahead and pop in a homemade hamper

Gingerbread syrup

This simple syrup makes a lovely homemade gift and adds a festive flavour to drinks and desserts – stir into hot chocolate, warm apple juice or Prosecco, or drizzle over ice cream

Salted fruit ’n’ nut bark

This super-simple slab of swirled dark and white chocolate is studded with chopped mixed nuts and dried fruit – break into chunky shards and pop in a homemade hamper as an edible gift

Caramelised onion quiche with cheddar & bacon

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Make quiche Lorraine to perfection every time with this easy recipe for a crisp pastry base and rich smoked bacon, cheese and thyme filling

Cauliflower & chestnut soup

This creamy, vegetarian soup, from Becky Lovatt, is a great way to use up leftover chestnuts, or use freshly roasted chestnuts for a more intense flavour

Griddled chicory

This simple side dish of charred chicory pairs perfectly with indulgent main courses, adding a pop of colour to any dinner party plate

Truffled parsnip & brioche pudding with hazelnut & thyme butter

This decadent, savoury take on the classic bread & butter pudding can be served as a vegetarian centrepiece, or an indulgent side dish

Parsnip croquettes

This show-stealing side dish of roasted parsnips and creamy béchamel is breadcrumbed and deep-fried for crisp, golden bites

Raita

This minty sauce with a creamy yogurt base is a classic Indian side – this version has garam masala and ginger for a warming kick

Spiced salmon coulibiac

This make-ahead main of pastry-wrapped fish and rice is an extra-special way to serve seafood for a dinner party, spiced with cardamom, cloves and chilli